Rural Health Research Dissemination Program

The Rural Health Research Dissemination Program, managed by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a federal initiative designed to enhance the accessibility and visibility of research related to rural health services. This program is rooted in HRSA’s mission to improve health outcomes and address health disparities by supporting initiatives that target underserved and geographically isolated populations. HRSA's Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) has consistently invested in research through Rural Health Research Centers (RHRCs), and this dissemination program plays a critical role in ensuring that the findings from these centers are made broadly available and effectively utilized. The core objective of the Rural Health Research Dissemination Program is to facilitate the widespread dissemination of research findings from RHRCs and other FORHP-funded cooperative agreements. The funded entity will be responsible for making rural health services research readily accessible to stakeholders at various levels, including national policymakers, state and local officials, and rural community leaders. A key component of this initiative is the development and ongoing maintenance of a public-facing website that serves as a repository for rural health research outputs. This platform must ensure free and intuitive access to current and past research findings, serving as a central hub for stakeholders interested in rural health topics. In addition to website development, the awardee must implement a comprehensive and innovative dissemination strategy. This includes operating digital communication channels such as a listserv and social media accounts, as well as facilitating broader outreach through participation in national conferences, hosting webinars, and creating tailored presentations. These efforts are intended to ensure that critical rural health research does not remain siloed within academic or federal contexts but reaches the practitioners and decision-makers who can apply it in the field. Eligibility for this program is intentionally broad to encourage a wide range of capable applicants. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), higher education institutions (both public and private), for-profit organizations (including small businesses), tribal governments and organizations, and school districts. However, only domestic organizations within U.S. states and territories are eligible to apply. The program emphasizes the importance of nationwide accessibility and reach, underscoring the need for a national dissemination scope. The opportunity is forecasted, with an estimated post date of March 31, 2026, and an application due date of April 30, 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. ET on the due date. The estimated award and project start dates are June 1, 2026, and July 1, 2026, respectively. While there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, applicants must demonstrate the capacity to execute the responsibilities of dissemination at a national scale. HRSA anticipates issuing a single award in the amount of $230,000 for this program. For inquiries regarding this funding opportunity, prospective applicants may contact Karis Tyner at (301) 287-2615 or via email at [email protected]. This forecasted grant represents a targeted federal investment in enhancing the impact of rural health research, ensuring that the evidence generated through public funding is translated into action and improved outcomes for rural populations across the United States.